Birmingham deploying new message boards at train crossings this week

The city of Birmingham is deploying electronic message boards at four rail crossings on the west side of The Magic City.

The new message boards, which were approved by the Council last year, will notify motorists when trains are approaching and how long they are expected to delay traffic.

Beginning this week, the boards will be installed at:

• Jefferson Ave and 40th St SW 
• Jefferson Ave and 31st St SW 
• Pearson Ave and 24th St SW 
• Pearson Ave and 17th St SW

“It’s no secret that rail crossings pose a safety hazard for motorists, especially at these locations. Our community is still reeling from last week’s tragedy, and we hope this signage will help prevent such an incident in the future. The system will alert residents and first responders in these areas, allowing them to adjust their routes safely.”

Wardine Alexander, Council President, Birmingham City Council

Last week, two women were killed and three children injured when their minivan was struck by a freight train at a railroad crossing in Birmingham.

In addition to providing information to motorists, the message board system, which comes from a company called TRAINFO, also integrates emergency dispatch systems and can predict traffic delays up to 10 minutes before a train arrives.

What’s the longest you’ve been stuck at a train crossing in Birmingham? Let us know by tagging us @bhamnow on Instagram.